CARACAS / WASHINGTON — In an unprecedented military escalation, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, January 3, 2026, that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been captured by U.S. forces and “flown out of the country.”
The capture followed a series of coordinated, large-scale kinetic strikes across Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, and several other states early Saturday morning.
Operation “Southern Spear” Escalates
According to a statement posted by President Trump on Truth Social at 4:21 AM ET, the operation was conducted in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country,” Trump stated.
Details from the ground indicate the operation likely involved elite units, including Delta Force, supported by the massive naval presence currently stationed in the Caribbean as part of “Operation Southern Spear.”
Chaos in Caracas: Strikes Hit Key Military Hubs
Witnesses in Caracas reported at least seven major explosions starting around 2:00 AM local time. Targeted sites reportedly include:
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La Carlota Military Airbase: Fires were reported on the runways following low-flying aircraft activity.
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Fuerte Tiuna: Venezuela’s largest military complex was seen engulfed in flames.
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Cuartel de la Montaña: The barracks housing the mausoleum of Hugo Chávez was also a reported target.
Venezuela Declares State of Emergency
Following the strikes, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez declared a “state of external disturbance” and demanded “proof of life” for the President and First Lady. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López denounced the action as a “criminal invasion” and called for a national mobilization to resist the “imperialist aggression.”
Geopolitical Reactions
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Russia: The Kremlin has condemned the “armed aggression,” calling for an emergency UN Security Council session.
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Colombia: President Gustavo Petro has deployed security forces to the Venezuelan border, citing concerns over regional stability and a potential refugee influx.
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United States: Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Maduro will stand trial in the U.S. on criminal charges, likely related to the narcoterrorism indictments issued by the DOJ in 2020.
